Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Milwaukee World Festival announced that Summerfest will offer Purple Heart Pass cardholders up to eight free admissions to Summerfest in 2016, according to a release by the county.

“There will never be enough we can do to thank heroes like our Purple Heart veterans, but I’m proud that Milwaukee County and dedicated community partners like our friends at Summerfest have joined forces to express our gratitude in this small way,” County Executive Chris Abele said.

“It is our honor to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our Wisconsin’s Purple Heart veterans by providing free admission to Summerfest to these veterans and their families,’” said Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival.

In the coming weeks, the Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office will email/mail a special code to each passholder, with instructions on how to apply for the tickets, either online or at the Summerfest box office.

There are approximately 1,800 Purple Heart Veterans in Wisconsin, all of whom are eligible to receive the PHP. So far, 525 Purple Heart Passes have been awarded.

The Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office (MCVSO) administers the pass, verifying eligibility through military service records. Purple Heart Veterans can contact MCVSO Director Jim Duff via phone (414.266.1235) or email (James.Duff@milwaukeecountywi.gov) for more information on obtaining a pass.